Friday, April 30, 2010

No, this is not a joke. Tomorrow, head over to your nearest comic shop and ask where the free stuff is, at which point the cockney shopkeep will probably point and grunt (its not like in the movies where they sing a song about reading and dance with penguins) and you'll leave with a stack of books in the hopes they will be the gateway drug for things like The Walking Dead, Nightwing, New Avengers, Scud the Disposable Assassin and my all time favorite, Preacher. Then you get to complain about how much they cost every week, like we all do. JOIN THE FAMILY!! ONE OF US!! Click here for a list of participating shops and all the details you could ever want about the swag. Here's a run down of event notices sent over from the company peoples...oh and Milo..

TOP COW - This year’s Top Cow FreeComicBookDay offering is Artifacts #0, by Ron Marz (Witchblade, Magdalena) and Stjepan Sejic (Witchblade, Angelus).The issue serves as an introduction to the publisher’s maxi-event that’s been over five years in the making.Building on the success of First Born and Broken Trinity, Top Cow will finally reveal the identity of all 13 Artifacts, which include The Darkness, Witchblade, Angelus, Magdalena’s Spear of Destiny and 9 others.Launching a massive 13-issue event beginning in July 2010, the series will define and redefine the nature of the Top Cow Universe.The final identity of the remaining Artifacts will be revealed, characters will perish and the very existence of the Top Cow Universe will be at stake.

As a special treat for LA locals, Top Cow founder Marc Silvestri will be participating in the festivities and serving as the Guest of Honor at Collector’s Paradise in Winnetka, CA.Joining Silvestri at Collector’s Paradise is the first art team on the Artifacts series, Michael Broussard (The Darkness), who will also be signing at Meltdown Comics in Hollywood, CA.On the east coast, Marz will be signing Artifacts #0 at two New England Comics locations: Brockton and Harvard Square.

In addition to the great creator line up, the event will feature the annual "Sketches for HERO Initiative" fundraiser, where most of the artists featured will do $10 sketches for the fans, with 100% of the proceeds directly going to HERO Initiative, a wonderful charity that helps comic book creators in need. Collector's Paradise has been working with HERO for the last four years to make sure that those creators who need financial and medical help are taken care of. Kids are a big focus of Collector's Paradise' effort on FCBD. The event will feature an excellent Spider-Man in costume, a fantastic Balloon Artist, and several thousand kid-friendly comic books given away to all fans in attendance.The event will be held at Collector's Paradise Comics & Cards from Noon to 7:00pm, with creator signings, Spider-Man and Balloon Artist from noon to 3:00pm.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

The next DC direct to DVD animated project is Batman: Under the Red Hood, as i'm sure all you self respecting dorks knew already! Both the feature film and mini movie with Jonah Hex have super geeky casts, so you've got plenty of reasons to await your pre-orders with rabid anticipation. Here's the skinny...

Batman confronts new enemies, old foes and painful memories when a powerful vigilante with a penchant for violence comes to Gotham City in the intense graphic-novel-come-to-life Batman: Under the Red Hood, the next entry in the popular ongoing series of DC UNIVERSE Animated Original PG-13 Movies coming July 27, 2010 from Warner Premiere, DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Animation. The full-length animated film will be distributed by Warner Home Video as a Special Edition version on Blu-Ray™ and 2 disc DVD for $29.99 (SRP) and $24.98 (SRP), respectively, as well as single disc DVD for $19.98 (SRP). The film will also be available On Demand and for Download.

The stellar voice cast has Bruce Greenwood (Captain Pike in the 2009 blockbuster Star Trek) donning the famed cowl as the voice of Batman. Supernatural star Jensen Ackles is Red Hood, and Neil Patrick Harris (How I Met Your Mother) voices Nightwing. John DiMaggio (Futurama) and Jason Issacs (the Harry Potter films) round out the main cast as The Joker and Ra’s Al Ghul, respectively.

Batman: Under the Red Hood is scripted by award-winning comics writer Judd Winick and based on his popular 2005 comics storyline and subsequent comics graphic novel of the same name. Animation guru Bruce Timm returns as executive producer, as he has for all eight DC Universe animated original movies. Director is Brandon Vietti, who served as co-director of Superman Doomsday and was responsible for the first one-third of that film, including the fatal battle between the two title characters.

In Batman: Under the Red Hood, Batman faces his ultimate challenge as the mysterious Red Hood takes Gotham City by firestorm. One part vigilante, one part criminal kingpin, Red Hood begins cleaning up Gotham with the efficiency of Batman, but without following the same ethical code. Killing is an option. And when The Joker falls in the balance between the two, hard truths are revealed and old wounds are reopened.

Fans will be treated to an incredible package of DC Universe storytelling as the Special Edition Blu-Ray and 2-Disc Special Edition DVD include the second animated short in the all-new DC Showcase series – which features the popular DC Comics character, Jonah Hex. The short is scripted by renowned author Joe Lansdale, and stars the voices of Thomas Jane (Hung), Linda Hamilton (The Terminator), Michelle Trachtenberg (Mercy, Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and Michael Rooker (Days of Thunder).

Jonah Hex - The tough as nails bounty hunter always gets his man- until someone else gets to him first - in this case a murderous madman who wants to steal more than just his bounty from Jonah Hex. Based on a story from the award-winning comic series.

Batman: Under the Red Hood - 2 Disc Special Edition DVD will have more than two hours of fascinating bonus features, including:

· Featurette – Robin: The Story of Dick Grayson– It was decided it was time to add a fresh face into the story mix, which turned out to be Dick Grayson, aka Robin. This is the story of Dick Grayson and how he transformed into Robin, with Batman as his father-figure role model.

“Batman: Under the Red Hood is another terrific entry in the groundbreaking series of DC Universe animated movies, a shining representation of the adult storystory telling that comics-turned-to-film has to offer, and further evidence of the combined creative power within the collaboration of DC Entertainment, Warner Premiere, Warner Bros. Animation and Warner Home Video,” said Matt Bierman, Senior Vice President Production, Warner Premiere.

“Judd Winick's and Doug Mahnke's story of a Robin gone wrong introduced Batman's most personal enemy to date. It's unbelievably cool to see it brought to life like this," said Geoff Johns, Chief Creative Officer of DC Entertainment.

“With each exciting new chapter of the DC UNIVERSE films, fans have come to expect more – and Batman: Under the Red Hood delivers with an action-packed tale of mystery and emotional struggle brought to animated life by an outstanding filmmaking crew and voiced by the all-star talents of Bruce Greenwood, Jensen Ackles, Neil Patrick Harris and John Dimaggio,” said Amit Desai, WHV Vice President of Family, Animation & Partner Brand Marketing.

“In his feature length solo directorial debut, Brandon Vietti has brought this dark, psychological thriller to the screen with all the action and emotion of a great Batman story,” said Sam Register, Executive Vice President, Warner Bros. Animation. “

Credit to Cinemablend Via Slashfilm, who I hear was also not let on the red carpet for Killer Inside Me. Apparently, Tribeca thinks internet isn't a viable means of PR and would rather the rags mention the movie title and event amidst their diet and boyfriend questions. Cheers!

This is Jenny who lists her hobbies as rock climbing, pottery, noir fiction, flower arranging, hentai comics, watching Chuck, making stranger's apartments "greener", climbing trees, walks on the beach and striking remedial contortionist poses on stained white floors while wearing only her pantyhose and someone takes pictures. DVD series is forthcoming. When asked what her motivation is when choosing a pose she replied "I mainly focus on not showing my nipples. It's harder than it looks." Jenny is working her way through veterinary school and hopes to one day see "Morgan Stewart's Coming Home" in one sitting. We wish her the best of luck.

Note: All American Apparel model profiles are completely made up. I probably shouldn't have to explain that but people can be dumb.

Yea I know everyone is going to use that title but to hell with it. IT HAS TO BE DONE!! Inspiration has apparently struck as someone was wrapping their holiday presents in 2009 and gave birth to an idea that is so simple it's genius. I don't know about the 8 dollar price tag, but for the trend setter who MUST add an extra, personal touch to anything they sticky together, this is a must have. Add Spinal Tape to your list of "why didn't I think of that?!" items you'll lament over while drinking yourself to death.

I don't spend a whole lot of time covering individual comics, as if I did, I'd be writing micro reviews all day. You burn through those expensive little suckers in 15 minutes!! I may bend my rules for American Vampire though, since Stephen King is attached to a Vampire story under the Vertigo mast!

"It's been nearly 20 years since notorious outlaw Skinner Sweet was buried on boot hill. But when a group of grave-robbing collectors of Western memorabilia uncover his final resting place, they find much, much more than they bargained for. And: Pearl Jones was attacked and left for dead by a cabal of powerful Hollywood vampires. Now, a mysterious stranger comes calling and Pearl gets a second chance at life - and at revenge. "

If you aren't familiar with the title yet, half the book is written by Scott Snyder and the other half by King in two tales focusing on the charismatic but insanely super evil Skinner Sweet. This guy raises the game to an art form and makes most DC villains look unimaginative and old. The first half of issue 2 sees our poor little Pearl wandering through the desert, looking much like something nature took a bite out of. It seems like she's going to pass on from the wounds she sustained at the hands of rich elitist vamps who nearly ate her alive, but Skinner has other plans for her. What's interesting is we still don't know if Skinner has "reformed" in the more modern age (of the roaring 20's that is) or if he just enjoys setting events in motion that make trouble for the old vampire hierarchy. Something tells me its the latter. The second half of the book rejoins Skinner 6 feet under in the old west as the law man who hunted him in life tries to rebuild his life. Meanwhile, Skinner tries to figure out how to gather enough strength to escape from his pine prison. It's been revealed clearly now that Skinner is a vampire (though he didn't start the book that way, at least in the old west half), but he's not like all the other pale boys and girls. For a monster like Skinner Sweet, being different means a whole new world of possibility. If you thought the book was deliciously twisted now, the thought of where it could go could drive a horror loving mind into overdrive! Mark the dates of American Vampire's release on the calendar and make it a monthly event!

As a little bonus, the back of the comic includes a sneak preview of IZombie which follows the adventures of undead Gwen who must eat brains to retain some semblance of a "normal" human demeanor. The catch there is, when she chows down, she gets the former owner's thoughts and in finding out how they died, she gets herself involved in wrapping up their unfinished business. So..this is a sort of hipster zombie tale with a detective twist. Hmmmm. I'd say the "vengeance for the dead" angle has been done to ....umm...it's been beat into the ground. 6 FEET UNDER!! Wow, really couldn't avoid the pun there. Sorry. I don't recall it being done with a brain eating chick drawn by Madman creator Mike Allred, so it's all going to come down to story. This had better have top notch writing with excellent twists or you are going to lose that small window of opportunity very quickly. Honestly, I pick on the concept, but if they announced this as a TV series with Joss Whedon at the wheel, I'd be all for it. Personality can go a long way! Check out the preview below. IZombie drops next month.

American Vampire #2 from Vertigo is in stores now. Pick one up when you grab your stash of comics on FREE COMIC BOOK DAY this Saturday, May 1st!!

Ahhh..those wacky kids and their super hero movies. When is this coming out again....? I haven't been paying attention.

Paramount Pictures and Marvel Entertainment present the highly anticipated sequel to the blockbuster film based on the legendary Marvel Super Hero “Iron Man,” reuniting director Jon Favreau and Oscar® nominee Robert Downey Jr. In “Iron Man 2,” the world is aware that billionaire inventor Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is the armored Super Hero Iron Man. Under pressure from the government, the press and the public to share his technology with the military, Tony is unwilling to divulge the secrets behind the Iron Man armor because he fears the information will slip into the wrong hands. With Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow), and James “Rhodey” Rhodes (Don Cheadle) at his side, Tony forges new alliances and confronts powerful new forces.

BRAAAAAAAAAAAINS. It takes brains to organize a propper zombie walk, and it takes evil rotting geniuses to organize one that mounts an attack of NJ zombies against the sleepy populace of a little town called New York City. Of course, when the goal is to reach George Romero..it's a no...umm...you get the idea.

On May 16th the ombie infection spreads from New Jersey across the Hudson to New York! This Zombie Walk is 'flash mob' style; there won't be any makeup artists on hand so come dressed in your zombie makeup and ready to go! Corpses will gather at a secret location (to be revealed soon). Wait! There's more! George A. Romero HIMSELF is inviting zombies to attend the NYC premiere of his newest film Survival of the Dead immediately after the walk! The first 300 zombies to arrive at the gathering location and find the "ticket master" will get in to see the movie!

This Zombie Walk is open to all ages, but movie tickets will only be available if you're 18+ (Survival is R-rated). Tickets for the premiere are FIRST COME - FIRST SERVED! More details on the gathering location, how to spot the "ticket master", and info about a really awesome costume contest all will be announced soon! Sign up for the mailing list at NJZombieWalk.com for the latest updates

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Fujikawa: A Stark Industries Subsidiary, present the STARKHUD and all the magic it can bring to the happy happy Japanese people. 2 weeks...deep breaths...avoid spoilerific sites and apparently the news wires who are giving away plot points as lead ins to their stories!! Damn you news wires. Straight to hell. Join me in avoiding all the spoilers this week as we walk through life with one hand over our face, ready to blind ourselves at a moments notice or quickly switch to finger ear plugs as we sing "don't you forget about me" at the top of our lungs as not to hear our know it all friends blow the movie for us. WE WILL WIN!!

From the evil bastards at DC Direct and hopefully sculpted by Jean StJean his holy self, we'll be getting Arkham Asylum action figures in the not so distant future! No pics just yet, just the solemn promise that it is happening and we'll probably see protos at San Diego Comic Con, so we'll take this opportunity to vote for the 4 figures we want in wave 1 and maybe another 4 in wave 2...unless they roll out more for AA2! Here are your voting choices...

May 19th still seems like a world away, but Marvel wants to celebrate now so who am I to stop the party? Below you'll see the collection of covers including the standard from John Romita Jr., Heroic Age variant by Greg Land, variant from John Romita Jr., variant from John Romita Sr., and the last variant from Marko Djurdjevic.

Marvel is proud to present your first look at Avengers #1, from superstar, award-winning creators Brian Michael Bendis and John Romita Jr! Kicking off the biggest launch of the decade, Avengers #1 ushers in a new era for the Marvel Universe as the world’s greatest heroes assemble once again. But what deadly threats await them? And who makes the team? Find out on May 19th on the first inaugural Avengers Day, as participating retailers worldwide celebrate this landmark Marvel Universe issue with special variant covers, prints and more!

Plus, visit www.IAmAnAvenger.com and submit your photo for a chance to have your picture appear in an upcoming issue of an Avengers comic book. This limited-time invitation is only open to those at least 18 years old and therefore old enough to join the greatest heroes in this universe—or any other!

Monday, April 26, 2010

While I'm 4 square against the over abundance of spoilerific clips which rain down on us prior to a film's release, for the sake of those who DO like their geeky world rocked, I'll dish out the 4 new clips Paramount sent over for Iron Man 2! 2 WEEKS!!!

Some stories roam around for years and even though they are well known among specific circles, the public at large never hears about it. Idle Hands was created for the SPECIFIC purpose of delivering the geekiest of news to people who don't have the time to wander around the internets all day to hear about the fake escalating war between Marvel and DC and so on..and so news like this always brings a smile to my face.

CLICK HERE to read the short but sweet saga about how Danzig actually got his well known skull logo. Shouldn't he have tossed some royalty money over to Michael Golden, the artist who created the art directly copied over to be prostituted by the lords of metal? Hmmmmm?! Fairs Fair, Glenn!

Honestly, is there anything in life not made better with Play Doh, Nerf and/or LEGOs??!! Young film makers with far too much time on their hands are constantly putting this theory to the test and today, the LEGO gods smile upon us with a new and IMPROVED trailer for Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time..and acted and directed by LEGOs. When you go to sleep, your little sentient bricks are probably recreating scenes from The Dark Knight, Spartacus and 9 and a half Weeks. True Story.

Geeks...dorks...nerds...call us what you will, but when we get behind a cause, we kick mighty ass. THREE excellent auctions have sprung up to support The Autism Society of America, giving three lucky Transformers fanatics a chance to own a small Decepticon battle party of the slickest custom robots you may ever see in your lifetime. CLICK HERE to drool over the auctions which include customized & upgraded versions of Megatron, Starscream, Shockwave, Skywarp, Thundercracker, Soundwave, Ravage, Rumble, Frenzy, Laserbeak and Buzzsaw. Here's the skinny..

"ProCustomizers.com is the first site of it's kind which is dedicated and focused on the professional side of customizing action figures. With over 3000 members in it's first few months, proCustomizers.com is home to some of the world's greatest custom galleries, customizers, artists and fans.

Late in 2009, some of the top customizers in the industry contributed to our inaugural charity auction to be hosted on Ebay. Concentrating on the heroic Autobots in the Transformers toy line (featuring such popular mainstream characters as Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Ironhide, Jazz and others), the auction benefited the fine people at Make-A-Wish. The auction was a success, raising over $1100 for the charity.

Now we are running our second auction, again featuring some of the best talent in the industry. This time, the focus is on the Autobots' counterparts, the evil Decepticons (featuring Megatron, Starscream, Soundwave and many others). The auction will again be hosted on Ebay and, since April is Autism Awareness Month, the charity we chose is the Autism Society of America. The auction is now live and runs through Sunday, May 2nd. Please do your part and help assist a worthy charity."

If you are interested, jump right in on the bidding WAR!! The auctions are in play right now. If you are just appreciating the excellent work and the cause, please help spread the word! Along with winning these awesome bots, the top bidders will claim bragging rights, that warm fuzzy feeling that comes with knowing you did a good thing and the envy of super hot geek girls who are turned on by G1 Transformers. It's like the geek equivalent of Spanish Fly.